From PGA Tour to the NBA series to the sports-ish WWE2K titles, 2K are building quite the sports empire. So, it’s not really a surprise that they have turned their gaze to some on-court action with TopSpin 2K25, a game which aims to bring all the bells and whistles their other series have, to the more genteel sport.
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TopSpin 2K25 was developed by California based studio Hangar 13, best-known as the team behind the Mafia series. So, it’s fair to say this new title is somewhat of a departure from their standard gangster-filled fare.
Baseline
Technically, 2K25 is the return of a legendary series – after all, TopSpin was a highly regarded tennis series back in the days of the OG Xbox. However, this time around there is more of a simulation edge to play, but modern TopSpin still maintains that elder arcade core.
TopSpin 2K25 aims to give you a real taste of the world of tennis, as you’ll get the thrills of playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open as you push to become a Grand Slam Champion.
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Travel the globe as an up-and-coming pro, all the time facing off against the biggest names in the game.
Ball Bag
Fear not. If you don’t have a clue about your serve or back hand stroke, the game along with legendary player-turned-commentator, John ‘You Cannot Be Serious’ McEnroe, who will help to get a solid grasp on the core rules of the game.
Through a number of in-depth tutorials called the TopSpin Academy, will teach you everything you need to know. From serving, to how playing on different surfaces will affect your shot.
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From there, you’ll probably jump into the MyCareer which sees you starting out at the bottom with a player you create. You then rise up the ranks to be the best in the world. Along the way, you’ll also have a few interesting training and special events to break up the grind of your journey to the top.
You’ll also earn skill points that you can spend on your player to make them better, faster and stronger to be ready for the more skilled opponents. Though oddly there isn’t much of a tale to be found here, compared to other 2K offerings beyond becoming the best.
Love, Thirty
Beyond the career mode, you can just jump into the action in singles or doubles matches. Or, if you’re feeling up to it, head online for a few games with the community.
Gameplay is easy to understand while having hidden depths. And this makes TopSpin 2K25 perfect to pick up and play. Especially once you realise that timing is key on court.
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There are five core shots you can pick from, while your positioning player also plays a strong part in matches. Aimed shots and power shots similarly add another layer to game play. There is a lot of hidden depth to explore once you get the basics right.
The game also features a healthy selection of current and legendry players. Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe and Andre Agassi are just a few from over two dozen pros currently in TopSpin 2K25.
Break Point
TopSpin 2K25 runs extremely smoothly. However, the game just doesn’t have the level of polish seen in the NBA and WWE titles.
The player models themselves are decent. They certainly pass the look alike test but come across a bit stiff and lifeless at times. The character models lack the type of detail you expect from 9th-gen. console gaming.
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TopSpin 2K25 is a strong return for a series once held high. 2K25 offers an accessible and enjoyable tennis title, where seasoned pros will find hidden depths. But, most importantly, also allows casual fans will be able to build a real rally or two.
TopSpin 2K25 lacks a bit of the 2K polish you may expect, but it takes nothing away from the thrill of smashing a wee yellow ball about with a racket.